Highways England and West Midlands to help boost journeys on M5

Highways England (HE) and West Midlands Combined Authority have entered a partnership agreement to reduce traffic congestion on roads surrounding the M5 Oldbury viaduct.  

Valued at more than £100m, the Oldbury scheme will include concrete repairs and waterproofing on the ageing viaduct.

Traffic officers will provide additional support to motorists that encounter vehicle breakdowns on key roads near the M5 as part of a 13-month pilot scheme.

The service is usually confined to key trunk roads and has been extended by collaborating with Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police to assist motorists, as well as clear obstructions from incidents to keep traffic flowing around the Sandwell area.

"Working more closely with our partners means our traffic officers can now support those who breakdown near the main motorway network."

Officers will also support motorists exiting at junction one and travelling north-west on the A41 towards Wednesbury and motorists at junction travelling north-west on A4123 towards the Dudley to Burnt Tree junction.

HE chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “We want our customers to experience safer and better journeys.

"Working more closely with our partners means our traffic officers can now support those who breakdown near the main motorway network while the Oldbury viaduct repair scheme continues."

HE recently introduced rapid assistance motorcycles, which carry emergency fuel for breakdowns and ease congestion on the M5 at Oldbury.